How to Get a French Driving License

You might require a French license if you are an expat who has recently relocated to France. To get one, you'll need pass both a theory as well as a practical driving test. A good way to do this is to go to a driving school, which will take care of the paperwork for you and schedule the test.

Valid for 3 years.

A French driving licence is valid for three years from the date of the issue. The French driving license is a pink, credit card-sized document that has the photo of the holder, their date and place of birth, as well as driving privileges. It also contains various restrictions and conditions. Some of these restrictions include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and a minimum age requirement for driver's license.

The prefecture (or the area) issues the French driving license in France. The licenses must be renewed every fifteen years and can be used in any EU country, as well as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Certain license categories are valid for only five years, such as the ones for heavy vehicles and passenger transport vehicles. You can renew the standard French license in France or in your country of origin. To renew your license, you need to pass both a written and an exam in the practical.

If you are an American citizen, you may be able to swap your US license to one in French one without having to pass any tests. This program is only available to Americans who have lived in France more than one year and have the carte de sejour. The process is usually completed within a year, and you need to have your passport or other official identification documents with you. The process may take anywhere from six to a year therefore it is best to begin early.

Only those who are 18 years old and have not lost their driving rights in their country of origin are eligible to obtain an French license. You must have third-party liability insurance and a medical certification, and you should also take at least 30 hours of training in an auto ecole (driving school). You can find these schools throughout Toulouse and they provide practice tests and lessons in French. It's a great idea to enroll in introductory French classes in addition to your French class if you're hoping to pass the French test.

You can check your point balance on the Ministry of Interior website or by a letter issued by the prefecture, referencing 48N or 48M. Follow the steps on the website to reclaim any points that were taken away because of an infraction. The name on a French driving license is the same as that of the holder when born. Women who are married can use their maiden names on their licences in the event that they would like.

It has 12 points

You require to have a French license to drive in France. You must pass the theory and the practical test to get an French driving license. Also, you must pass a medical examination. The test for theory comprises 40 multiple-choice questions. The practical test consists of driving skills and road safety. You may also be required to pass a written exam, depending on your age. In addition, you'll need to have a minimum of 20 hours of driving with an instructor.

After passing the theory and practical driving test, you'll get your license in three months. The license is valid for 15 years, and must be displayed while driving. The license must also include an image and the date it was issued. Losing points will be deducted from your license. If you lose 12 points your licence will be suspended at minimum six months.

You can attend a class to recover the lost points on your licence. These courses are called stages de recovery des points du permit and are offered by approved centres. They cost about EUR200 for a two-day time period. However, you can only recuperate four points per year. You can also get back your lost points by avoiding any further traffic offenses for a minimum of two or three years.

It is important to remember that you will not be able to drive with your foreign licence after one year of living in France or if you are a student or diplomat. Even if you have passed the French driving test, you have to change your license to one that is a French one if you'll be residing in the country for longer than a year.

It is important to know that driving laws in France are very strict. For instance the BAC limit is lower than in the United States, and police have set up random checkpoints for sobriety. Drivers are also required to use headlights at night when driving and use them in emergency situations or construction zones. They must also wear them when it is raining or snowing. The rules differ for each region, therefore it is important to research the local regulations.

It is exchangeable for an French driving license

If you're an American citizen and have a valid license issued by Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey North Carolina or Wisconsin and you are allowed to drive in France for a year without having to take the French driving test. If you are involved in an accident while driving with this type of license and you are held accountable for the crash your insurance company may reject your claim. To avoid this, you should change your driver's license to one that is a French one when you arrive in the country.

You could apply to exchange your license at your local Prefecture de Police or Mairie. Ask for the demande d'echange de permis de conduire form. The process varies from one region to another. It is crucial to confirm with the sub-prefecture prior travel. You'll also need a French translation of your licence that can be obtained at the embassy or by a certified translator.

The application must include an acknowledgment that you've been a resident of France for six months or more. A tax notice or French medical certificate can prove this. You should also present evidence of your identity like a passport, and a photo d'identite. The photos must follow the format of French ID cards. This is different from American passport photographs. The application will be sent to ANTS (the agency that issues French driver's licenses). The license can take several months to be issued.

Once you've completed the exchange you will be in a probationary period until your French license becomes permanent. You'll also need to pass an "auto ecole", or ETG, which is a test that is theoretical-practical. Those with disabilities or certain medical conditions may be required to pass extra tests.


You can prepare for the exam on your own, but it is usually better to enroll in an educational institution. They will prepare you in French and also take care of the papers. Some schools will give you some driving hours prior to the test.

The ANTS is the issuer

If you've just relocated to France then a French driving license is essential to be able to. France has a reciprocal agreement with a number of countries around the world, making it relatively easy to exchange your license for one. You can apply online, however you'll need to bring additional documents, such as an authentic passport and a residence card, or any other evidence of identity.

You can also obtain an French driver's license by taking the behind-the-wheel exam and passing it. You can download your certificate of driving licence (CEPC) after the test. You will need this number to obtain your physical license.

Be sure to have a valid driver's license and a recent medical exam before driving on French roads. The ANTS website contains a list of licensed doctors and hospitals. You can also call your GP for an appointment.

After you have passed the behind-the wheel test, you are able to request your physical license on the ANTS site. Log in to your ANTS Account and select "Je would like to report an error on my driving permit it's less than 6 months." Complete the necessary information and upload any supporting documents, then submit your request.

Your application will take between 2 and 45 days to take. You can drive with a temporary license issued to you by your prefecture. Permis Cepc licencefrancexpress.com of this permit is different based on region. You can also buy an insurance policy for driving that protects you in the event of an accident.

If you're a new driver, you should enroll in a driving school in order to avoid any problems in the future. The driving school should have a list of instructors who are qualified. Find out their costs and if they have English-speaking instructors.

You can also request a French driving license from your local prefecture or Mairie. To do this you need to present an original copy of your current driving license as well as the proof of residency. It's crucial to verify that the sub-prefectures you're interested in will not accept license exchanges. Make sure you know the deadlines for submitting in case you have to visit the prefecture.